ROCK IN THE PARK AND WANTSUM JAZZ

August Bank Holiday weekend may be over, but there’s still something to enjoy. The Friends of Ellington Park are gearing up for another big event. In collaboration with Wantsum Jazz, they are mounting a music fest at the bandstand in Ellington Park, Ramsgate on Saturday 1^st September from 12 – 7 pm.

The music leads off with the Beach Babes, fronted by Steve Ansell from Hot Chocolate. They promise funky street music in the tradition of James Brown. They will be followed by the Laurence Cottle Quartet. Cottle is a world renowned jazz musician specialising in Jazz Fusion. For this gig, he will be bringing down a four piece band that promises to play some exciting music.

Syd Arthur will also be coming from Canterbury. Although familiar from the previous two Jazz Festivals, they have put together a range of newly-inspired music and promise to be an exciting band.

Fresh from performing to a crowd of 50,000 people (yes, 50,000) at the Guildford Festival, we are proud to welcome Trenchtown. They describe themselves as ‘a celebration of the spirit of reggae music, paying homage to those that not only inspired a generation but those that changed the world through the power of their music. A collaborative project with a lineup including Trevor Boucuad AKA Passion – Rebel Uprising, and Brian Tuitt –Bad Manners. ‘On a mission to explore reggae music in its rawest form.’

The day will end with some rousing, raw rock from Benzie led by their powerful female vocalist, Coralie.

This will be a day to remember. Food and drink will be available on site and, come rain or shine, the trees will act as a perfect canopy.

For more information, please contact Tony Bex on 01843 850630 or email to thanetjazz@yahoo.com

WANTSUM JAZZ FESTIVAL

Wantsum Jazz are delighted to announce that they have funding for this year’s festival, and have started negotiating with various bands. In particular, we are hoping to have the Jazztet from Chatham House School. This will be our 7^th Annual Festival and is all free to the public.

The projected venue is the Ellington Park bandstand and we are looking to hold it on Saturday 3 September.

In the meantime, come along to one of our curtain-raising events at the Churchill Tavern on Saturday and Sunday 28^th & 29^th May.

On Saturday, 9pm we shall be hosting S.J.B. which consists of Mark Fletcher (Drums) and Duncan Mackay (Trumpet). Between them, they have played and toured with some of the greats in pop and jazz including Dizzy Gillespie and John Dankworth. The line-up is completed by the well-known Andy Tolman (Bass), Nick Peck (Keyboards) and Richard Rozze (Guitar).

Sunday at 5.30 pm, we have the Mike Gorman Organ Trio. Mike is an exceptional performer on the Hammond organ and has accompanied many of the leading singers in pop and jazz. Phil Robson will be on guitar and many people will remember his last appearance with Christine Tobin. Asaf Serkis, an Israeli drummer, completes the line-up.

All in all, a great couple of days with a great mix of musical styles, performed by some of the finest jazz musicians in the country.

Tony Bex